Thorichthys maculipinni (Spot Cheek Cichlid or Elliot's Cichlid)

Thorichthys maculipinnis, known as the Spot Cheek Cichlid or Elliot's Cichlid, is a vibrantly colored Central American cichlid from Mexico's Rio Papaloapan basin, characterized by turquoise spots on a greenish/bluish/reddish-gray body, a distinctive dark spot on the gill cover, and often a red-orange dorsal fin fringe. Related to firemouth cichlids but generally calmer, they are small (up to 6 inches), love to dig in sandy substrates, and are popular for their outgoing nature and stunning appearance in aquariums with plenty of wood, rocks, and plants for cover.